Pete Edochie, Iya Awero Get Recognition Awards From Gov Uduaghan

The governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan will bestow on the duo of Pete Edochie and Lanre Hassan better referred to as Iya Awere, Special Recognition Awards ahead of this year's edition of Best of Nollywood (BON) awards holding in the state in November 2013.

This was announced few days ago, a development that has been welcomed by the recipients.

Edochie, speaking with the organisers of the event, said, "I feel happy that the little we have done is being recognised by the current generation. It is a thing of joy considering also that it is a special recognition award from a prestigious award ceremony as BON and endowed by a progressive governor as Governor Uduaghan. I am indeed very elated by it. See you in November."

On her part, Iya Awero, who recently celebrated her 50 years on stage as an actress, lauded BON for the recognition and the Delta State Governor particularly for his support for Nollywood.

"That this special recognition is coming the same year that I celebrated my 50th year anniversary as an actress is very significant for me. I want to thank the organisers of BON for this honour and to especially thank Governor Uduaghan for his immense support of Nollywood since he became governor. With more people like him, Nollywood would be a bigger pride for us all,” Iya Awero disclosed.

Giving reason why Pete and Iya Awero were chosen for the special awards, the executive producer of BON, Seun Oloketuyi, said, “Since the inception of BON, we have made it a cardinal part of the event to celebrate elders whose arts have catalysed the growth and global acceptance that Nollywood enjoys today. We don’t want to wait until these veterans are dead to give them post humous awards, which is why we endeavour to celebrate them while they are still very alive and active.

"Besides, this year’s honourees are a source of inspiration to young actors because of their longevity and continued relevance in the industry.”